Boeing expands pilot training in China

Boeing will oversee the screening, selection and training of 100 pilot cadets for Chinese airline Okay Airways over the next five years, while cadet training for YTO Airlines and Kunming Airlines, which are also Chinese, is already underway.

Through its Pilot Development Program (PDP), Boeing works with a network of flight schools around the globe to provide airlines with commercial training including screening PDP cadets, managing student performance and correction, and developing commercial pilot training courses and materials. The programme includes pilot training from zero flight-hour experience to advanced flight training. It is designed to develop cadets into 737 type-rated first officers.

"This strategic cooperation deepens our relationship with Boeing and allows us to lay a solid foundation for training and a steady stream of talent," said Dr Li Zonglin, CEO, Okay Airways.

Global demand

Keith Cooper, VP, Training & Professional Services, Boeing Global Services, commented, "The commercial aviation market is experiencing an unprecedented demand for pilots, and we anticipate this to continue for the next several years. We're committed to supporting the full lifecycle of an aircraft, and through our training business, we're helping to ensure that our airline customers have pilots available to fly them."